Graduate Criminal Justice Courses
CRIJ 5086. Problems in Criminal Justice. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Independent reading, research, and discussion. Entry into this course will be arranged with the department head. Students may repeat this course for a total of 6 hours credit.
CRIJ 5097. Thesis. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The completion and defense of the Thesis. The student must be registered in thesis hours the semester in which he/she receives his/her master’s degree. Students must enroll in thesis hours every semester (except summer) for at least 1 credit hour until graduation. Prerequisite: Approval of graduate program director.
CRIJ 5300. Applied Data Analysis for Criminal Justice I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The study of basic and advanced data analysis techniques, with an emphasis on applications to decision making and policy formulation in the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: CRIJ 5398.
CRIJ 5301. Foundations of Criminological Theory. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course includes an in-depth examination of major theoretical perspectives of crime and deviancy. Theories will be analyzed for their logical and empirical adequacy in light of what is known about the distribution of crime and deviant behavior. Theories of criminality will be explained from a social historical basis, emphasizing that all theories are the product of their times and must be viewed within that context.
CRIJ 5304. The American Judiciary. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
A critical evaluation of the role courts play in the American criminal justice system. Emphasis will be placed on the comparative responsibilities of the state court systems and the federal district, Circuit Court of Appeals, and U.S. Supreme Court systems. Special courts (Tax, Maritime, Municipal) will also be covered.
CRIJ 5305. The Juvenile Justice System. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
A critical analysis of the policies and practices of the juvenile justice system.
CRIJ 5308. Corrections. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
A critical analysis of the issues, problems, trends, and prospects faced by the administration of the American correctional system to include the impact of legal and social change on the correctional agencies and an evaluation of current research in the field.
CRIJ 5309. Victimology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course introduces students to the field of victimology. General topics covered in this course will include, but are not limited to: an analysis of the characteristics of crime victims; victim reporting and non-reporting patterns; the treatment of victims by the various segments of the criminal justice system; victim assistance programs; and the issue of compensation and/or restitution for victims of crime.
CRIJ 5310. The Criminal Justice System. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
An introduction to master’s level studies in criminal justice. This course includes a systems approach to the study of criminal justice and the interrelationships of the various system components. The social and political issues related to the criminal justice system are examined in depth. Other topics include academic journals and their role in academic and field practice, graduate level writing skills including APA formatting, and the role of academic and professional organizations in master’s level education. This course should be taken during the student’s first semester in the master’s program and not later than completion of nine hours of master’s level work.
CRIJ 5315. Special Topics in Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Study of selected topic(s) directly related to criminal justice. May be repeated for credit as topic varies. (Course will be offered not more than one semester each year.).
CRIJ 5316. Special Topics in Criminology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Study of selected topic(s) directly related to criminology. May be repeated for credit as topic varies (Course will be offered not more than one semester each year).
CRIJ 5317. Special Topics in Homeland Security. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Study of selected topics within the field of homeland security. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
CRIJ 5320. Policing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
An in depth study of the philosophical, operational, and social aspects of law enforcement.
CRIJ 5321. Management of Criminal Justice Personnel. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
An investigation of the personnel decision-making process used within criminal justice agencies. Areas to be investigated include recruitment, training, continuing education requirements, performance evaluation, fair employment practices, termination, and allocation of personnel.
CRIJ 5322. Advanced Criminal Justice Ethics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course covers the practical implications of moral philosophy and ethics in a free society during the day-to-day administration of a criminal justice agency will be discussed.
CRIJ 5323. Organizational Communications in Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course is an introduction to the study of internal and external organizational communication. Students will study organizational communication both within and between criminal justice agencies. Students will also examine organizational communication between criminal justice agencies and the public and will develop an understanding of the importance of the media in public presentations.
CRIJ 5330. Criminal Justice in a Diverse Society. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course is a study of the complex interrelations of crime, justice, and social diversity in a free society. The effect of justice system policy on social inequality is studied, and theories of social and economic justice are presented in terms of their effect on crime and criminal justice.
CRIJ 5335. Gender, Crime and Justice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course provides an overview of issues related to women as victims, offenders, and professionals in the criminal justice system.
CRIJ 5340. Legal Aspects of Criminal Justice Management. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
A consideration of the major legal issues in criminal justice management to include civil liability, employment law, civil rights lawsuits and criminal investigations, training, media, Internal Affairs investigations, Federal Consent Decrees, and protection of inmates’ rights. Emphasis is on the possible liabilities of managers and agencies for failure to adhere to legal requirements.
CRIJ 5343. Grant Writing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to perform one of the most critical functions for any public or nonprofit sector agency today: gaining funds through proposals. Students learn how to find a funding source among various public and private sources and how to plan and write a proposal.
CRIJ 5344. Grant Management. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Designed for grant management for public agencies and nonprofit organizations. Understanding budget development, accepting and managing grant and contract awards, grants-management system(s), reporting, record keeping, and accountability, audit requirements, ethics in the grants environment, and program evaluation.
CRIJ 5345. Program Evaluation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Describes the theory and methodology for the design of social research and demonstration projects and the application of analytic and statistical methods for evaluating public programs. Focus is on the application of evaluation methods and techniques of data interpretation. Report preparation is emphasized.
CRIJ 5346. Advanced Program Evaluation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
In this course, students will design and carry out an evaluation of a program that incorporates current evaluation methods and principles derived from research, theory, practice wisdom, and their own experience. These occur within a field placement agency or their own workplace agency. Prerequisite: CRIJ 4345 Program Evaluation.
CRIJ 5349. Transnational Trafficking. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course will examine transnational trafficking issues such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, illegal arms trafficking, and other trafficking of illicit substances. The course will explore: key theories, domestic and international policy, enforcement strategies and the role of non-governmental organizations.
CRIJ 5351. Terrorism. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course examines the origins, nature, and operational characteristics of terrorist groups. Students are exposed to topics ranging from the definition of "terrorism" to the unique characteristics of terrorist cells in the United States and abroad. Particular emphasis is on historical and contemporary terrorist attacks against the United States.
CRIJ 5352. Homeland Security. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course examines principles and practices associated with the emerging discipline of homeland security, including key policies, directives, national plans, and legislation that shape and homeland security. Topics include legal aspects of Homeland Security, inter-agency cooperation from a legal and operational basis, preparation for and management of mass casualty events including natural and man-made disasters and terrorism, and the special investigative problems of terrorism and man-made disasters.
CRIJ 5353. Global Cyber-Security. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The course presents a conceptual overview of information security and its impact on the global stage. Topics include: current trends and over all landscape in information warfare, cybercrime techniques, cyber-terrorism, and information security fundamentals. Included is an emphasis on policy implications for law enforcement at the national level.
CRIJ 5354. Introduction to Digital Forensics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course focuses on the study of digital and computer forensic evidence, search and seizure, chain of custody, and digital storage devices.
CRIJ 5355. Cellular Forensics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The study of collection and preservation of digital evidence derived from cellular technologies in a laboratory environment. This study will include the use of hardware and software needed to perform cellular and mobile device forensic investigations including MPE+ and associated connectivity kits. Prerequisite: CRIJ 5354.
CRIJ 5356. Digital Forensics Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The study of evidence collection through a laboratory environment. The course presents students with the working knowledge of the collection, preservation, presentation, and reporting of evidence obtained in a digital investigation. The topics also include encryption techniques and common issues with storage mediums. The course will make use of industry standard software including EnCase and FTK. Prerequisite: CRIJ 5353.
CRIJ 5360. Teaching Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course is an introduction to basic college level teaching, method and practice. Course content will include course development, instructional delivery in traditional and non-traditional formats, testing and other assessment techniques, and classroom management.
CRIJ 5363. Introduction to Crime Mapping. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).
This course provides the conceptual knowledge and practical skills to design and implement GIS based analysis of community crime problems. This course introduces major approaches to spatial analysis of crime and teaches students how to make effective crime maps.
CRIJ 5364. Introduction to Crime Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course provides advanced skills needed for efficient data management of crime-related data. Students learn how to extract, convert, manipulate and query large datasets to accomplish data-driven management and support intelligence-led policing. No prerequisites.
CRIJ 5365. Intersection of Domestic and Military Policing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course examines and compares domestic and military policing approaches. The course will focus on a comparative study through an examination of domestic American policing strategies, American military policing, and foreign policing strategies (both domestic and military-based). This course will include an examination of organizational theory as it applies to domestic and military policing.
CRIJ 5366. Crime and Violence Prevention and Intervention. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course examines crime prevention and intervention as a potential alternative or complement to traditional criminal justice system responses to crime. Drawing on major theories and research pertinent to crime and violence, including characteristics of violence and relevant risk factors, reporting and treatment protocols, and current/potential intervention efforts and prevention initiatives; emphasis is on interdisciplinary contributions to violence prevention and control. Prerequisite: CRIJ 5301.
CRIJ 5375. Executive Leadership. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course covers the governing principles of organizational leadership within criminal justice and related organizations. Topics will include leadership theory, ethics of leadership, and the role of leadership in garnering public trust.
CRIJ 5380. Capstone. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Demonstration of competency in a specialized area of criminal justice through the completion of a substantial research project incorporating independent study and critical analysis of the topic area. Prerequisite: Departmental permission is required.
CRIJ 5382. Seminar: Study Away/Study Abroad. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The course subject will vary in topics dependent upon the location of travel and subject material offered in the course. The study away occurs when students travel outside of Texas, but remain within the United States. Study abroad involves travel outside of the United States. Students will need to obtain all necessary travel documents, including appropriate passport, prior to the travel date.
CRIJ 5390. Independent Study. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Specific topic and contents of the course will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor, with whom the student meets regularly for supervision of the study. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. Permission of the graduate advisor required. Prerequisites: Instructor permission.
CRIJ 5398. Applied Research Design I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The study of the qualitative and quantitative research skills necessary for informed decision making, policy analysis, program evaluation, and hypothesis testing as applied to criminal justice practice. Includes a review and critique of research techniques applied to crime causation, law enforcement, corrections, and courts. Emphasis will be place on quantitative research methods.
CRIJ 5399. Practicum, Field Problems, Internship. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Supervised professional activities in public service professions. Major emphasis is placed on the student's involvement in successful practices in the area of professional interest. Field experience fee $50.
CRIJ 6300. Statistical Methods for Criminal Justice I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The study of basic and advanced descriptive and inferential statistics, with an emphasis on applications in the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: CRIJ 6398.
CRIJ 6301. Foundations of Criminological Theory. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
In-depth examination of major theoretical perspectives of crime and deviancy. Theories will be analyzed for their logical and empirical adequacy in light of what is known about the distribution of crime and deviant behavior.
CRIJ 6302. Statistical Methods for Criminal Justice II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course is an advanced study of techniques of inferential statistics as applied to research in crime and criminal justice. This course will include correlation, regression, multivariate regression, and advanced regression analysis techniques for scholarly and evaluative research. Prerequisite: CRIJ 6300.
CRIJ 6303. Advanced Criminological Theory. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
In-depth examination of contemporary theoretical perspectives of crime and deviancy. Theories will be analyzed for their logical and empirical adequacy in light of what is known about the distribution of crime and deviant behavior. Emphasis will be placed on integrated theories and theory construction. Prerequisite: CRIJ 6301.
CRIJ 6304. The American Judiciary. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
A critical evaluation of the role courts play in the American criminal justice system. Topics include the structure, function, and operations of the courts at the state and federal level.
CRIJ 6305. Statistical Methods for Criminal Justice III. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course is a continuation of advanced inferential statistics applied to research in crime and criminal justice. The course goes beyond the study of linear multivariate regression, and can include but not limited to the structural equation modeling, hierarchical linear modeling, and time series analysis as well as any other advanced statistical techniques needed for scholarly and evaluative research not covered in other courses. Prerequisite: CRIJ 6302.
CRIJ 6308. Corrections. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
A critical analysis of the issues, problems, trends, and prospects faced by the administration of the American correctional system to include the impact of legal and social change on the correctional agencies and an evaluation of current research in the field.
CRIJ 6309. Victimology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course introduces students to the field of victimology. General topics covered in this course will include, but are not limited to: an analysis of the characteristics of crime victims; victim reporting and non-reporting patterns; the treatment of victims by the various segments of the criminal justice system; victim assistance programs; and the issue of compensation and/or restitution for victims of crime.
CRIJ 6310. The Criminal Justice System. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
A study of the criminal justice system in the United States. This course includes a systems approach to the study of criminal justice and the interrelationships of the various components. The social and political issues related to the criminal justice system are examined in depth.
CRIJ 6315. Special Topics in Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Study of selected topic(s) directly related to criminal justice. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
CRIJ 6316. Special Topics in Criminology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Study of selected topic(s) directly related to criminology. May be repeated for credit as topic varies. This course may be repeated for a maximum credit of up to 9 hours.
CRIJ 6321. Management of Criminal Justice Personnel. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
An investigation of the personnel decision-making process used within criminal justice agencies. Areas to be investigated include recruitment, training, continuing education requirements, performance evaluation, fair employment practices, termination, and allocation of personnel.
CRIJ 6322. Advanced Criminal Justice Ethics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The practical implications of moral philosophy and ethics in a free society during the day-to-day administration of a criminal justice agency will be discussed.
CRIJ 6323. Organizational Communication in Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course is an introduction to the study of internal and external organizational communication. Students will study organizational communication both within and between criminal justice agencies. Students will also examine organizational communication between criminal justice agencies and the public and will develop an understanding of the importance of the media in public presentations.
CRIJ 6330. Criminal Justice in a Diverse Society. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course is a study of the complex interrelations of crime, justice, and social diversity in a free society. The effect of justice system policy on social inequality is studied, and theories of social and economic justice are presented in terms of their effect on crime and criminal justice.
CRIJ 6335. Gender, Crime and Justice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course provides an overview of issues related to women as victims, offenders, and professionals in the criminal justice system.
CRIJ 6340. Legal Aspects of Criminal Justice Administration. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
A consideration of the major legal issues of criminal justice management and the effect of constitutional provisions, statutes, ordinances, and judicial decisions in justice administrations. A discussion of the legal aspects of selection, promotion, assignment, and termination of justice employees. Emphasis is on the possible liabilities of managers and agencies for failure to adhere to legal requirements.
CRIJ 6342. Crime and Public Policy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
An examination of the process by which criminal justice policies are implemented at the local, state, and federal levels. Attention will be given to the impact of public opinion, the media, and politics on policy creation and the challenge of developing effective crime control policies.
CRIJ 6349. Transnational Trafficking. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course will examine transnational trafficking issues such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, illegal arms trafficking, and other trafficking of illicit substances. The course will explore: key theories, domestic and international policy, enforcement strategies and the role of non-governmental organizations.
CRIJ 6350. Comparative Criminal Justice Systems. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course surveys the criminal justice system and its institutions comparatively across the world to give students a global perspective of the similarities and differences of different criminal justice systems.
CRIJ 6351. Terrorism. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course examines the origins, nature, and operational characteristics of terrorist groups. Students are exposed to topics ranging from the definition of "terrorism" to the unique characteristics of terrorist cells in the United States and abroad. Particular emphasis is on historical and contemporary terrorist attacks against the United States.
CRIJ 6352. Homeland Security. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course examines principles and practices associated with the emerging discipline of homeland security, including key policies, directives, national plans, and legislation that shape and homeland security.
CRIJ 6353. Global Cyber-Security. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The course presents a conceptual overview of information security and its impact on the global stage. Topics include: current trends and over all landscape in information warfare, cybercrime techniques, cyber-terrorism, and information security fundamentals. Included is an emphasis on policy implications for law enforcement at the national level.
CRIJ 6354. Introduction to Digital Forensics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course focuses on the study of digital and computer forensic evidence, search and seizure, chain of custody, and digital storage devices. Included in the applied learning experience is the exposure to various software and hardware solutions for the collection of evidence as guided by current US Law Enforcement agencies.
CRIJ 6355. Cellular Forensics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The study of collection and preservation of digital evidence derived from cellular technologies in a laboratory environment. This study will include the use of hardware and software needed to perform cellular and mobile device forensic investigations including MPE+ and associated connectivity kits. Prerequisite: CRIJ 6353.
CRIJ 6356. Digital Forensics Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The study of evidence collection through a laboratory environment. The course presents students with the working knowledge of the collection, preservation, presentation, and reporting of evidence obtained in a digital investigation. The topics also include encryption techniques and common issues with storage mediums. The course will make use of industry standard software including EnCase and FTK. Prerequisite: CRIJ 6353.
CRIJ 6360. Evaluation Research. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course covers the application of criminal justice research methods to develop and/or evaluate or assess a program or policy. Topics include conceptual, methodological, bureaucratic, political, and organization factors in the evaluation process as well as specific program evaluation research techniques.
CRIJ 6361. Communities and Crime. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Provides students with an overview of issues related to communities and crime. Examines community context, behavior, and functioning, and how communities are implicated in both crime-generating and crime-preventing processes. Familiarizes students with historical and contemporary literature surrounding the communities and crime relationship.
CRIJ 6362. Current Issues in Law Enforcement. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
In-depth analysis of historical, current, and future issues in law enforcement. Emphasis will be placed on the role of police in society, police-citizen relationships, and empirical evaluations of police effectiveness, police behavior, and programs and strategies.
CRIJ 6363. Forecasting and Data Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course is an overview of that analytic methods used in forecasting and predictive policing.
CRIJ 6364. Introduction to Crime Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).
This course provides advanced skills needed for efficient data management of crime-related data. Students learn how to extract, convert, manipulate and query large datasets to accomplish data-driven management and support intelligence-led policing. Several data management applications are examined including MS Excel and Access.
CRIJ 6365. Intersections of Domestic and Military Policing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course examines and compares domestic and military policing approaches. The course will focus on a comparative study through an examination of domestic American policing strategies, American military policing, and foreign policing strategies (both domestic and military-based). This course will include an examination of organizational theory as it applies to domestic and military policing.
CRIJ 6366. Crime and Violence Prevention and Intervention. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course examines crime prevention and intervention as a potential alternative or complement to traditional criminal justice system responses to crime. Drawing on major theories and research pertinent to crime and violence, including characteristics of violence and relevant risk factors, reporting and treatment protocols, and current/potential intervention efforts and prevention initiatives; emphasis is on interdisciplinary contributions to violence prevention and control. Prerequisite: CRIJ 6301.
CRIJ 6367. Predictive Policing Seminar. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
A study of predictive policing methods, approaches, implementation and legal issues associated with them. At the end of the course, successful students will: gain a basic understanding of major predictive technology on forecasting crimes, places and individuals involved in criminal offending; be able to discuss major steps, advantages and disadvantages in implementing selective methods of predictive policing in a law enforcement organization; explain legal, ethical and sociological ramifications of implementing methods of predictive policing; and discuss public policy decision-making process as it relates to predictive policing implementation.
CRIJ 6370. Legal Aspects of Evidence. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
An exploration of the procedural and substantive rules regarding evidence in criminal proceedings. Topics may include the admission and exclusion of evidence, burden of proof, and best evidence rules.
CRIJ 6371. Forensic Expert Testimony. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course considers the role of criminal justice professions in provide expert testimony in court. Topics covered will include the ethics of testimony, qualifications for testimony, presentation of evidence and opinion, as well as behavioral aspects of testifying.
CRIJ 6372. Law and Forensic Science. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
An analysis of the intersection of science and the law with an emphasis on the law affecting forensic science in the criminal justice system. Topics may include the role of experts in both criminal and civil law, ethical issues related to forensic evidence, and wrongful convictions.
CRIJ 6375. Executive Leadership. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course covers the governing principles of organizational leadership within criminal justice and related organizations. Topics will include leadership theory, ethics of leadership, and the role of leadership in garnering public trust.
CRIJ 6380. Proseminar in Criminology and Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course provides students with a broad overview of important topics and contemporary issues in criminal justice. This course explores the history and role of criminal justice as an academic discipline and as an institutional system in American society. Particular emphasis is given to acquainting students with the research strengths of the department, individual faculty members' research agendas, and identifying and coordinating potential opportunities for joint research and scholarship among faculty and students.
CRIJ 6381. Supervised Teaching. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
A practicum with the student in teaching, guided by an experienced teacher with whom the student meets from time to time for discussion of readings and classroom experiences. This course is an introduction to basic college level teaching methods. Course content will include methods of instruction, testing and other assessment techniques, use of technology, classroom management, and course development.
CRIJ 6382. Academic Scholarship and Communication. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course provides students with the key training needed to engage in the professional activities central to a successful scholarly career in criminology. Emphasis will be placed on preparation of a research project for submission for presentation at a professional conference and submission for publication. Prerequisite: Permission of graduate advisor.
CRIJ 6390. Independent Study. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Specific topic and contents of the course will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor, with whom the student meets regularly for supervision of the study. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
CRIJ 6391. Preliminary Doctoral Examination. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
During this course the student will prepare and complete the doctoral comprehensive examinations. Prerequisite: Approval of the graduate coordinator with the advice of the graduate faculty.
CRIJ 6396. Survey Research Methods. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The course will provide a comprehensive review of survey research methods, and prepare students in the fundamental skill areas necessary to design and conduct quality survey research projects for theory driven or applied research. These areas include: survey method design; sampling strategies and power analysis; questionnaire construction; survey administration/data collection; calculation of response, cooperation, refusal, and contact rates; data coding and entry; verification and quality control; and sources of error in survey research.
CRIJ 6397. Research Design and Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course includes an overview of descriptive, inferential, and multivariate statistics employed in criminal justice research and an overview of methods of criminological and criminal justice research, with emphasis on research ethics, research design, and methods of data analysis. Prerequisite: n/a.
CRIJ 6398. Research Methods I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
The study of scientific research methods used in the criminal justice system. Includes a review and critique of research on crime causation, law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Emphasis will be place on quantitative research methods.
CRIJ 6399. Research Methods II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
This course will familiarize students with the nature and utility of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research as applicable various areas of criminological studies. Topics may include field work, interviews, and content analysis as well as a range of quantitative and mixed methods. Prerequisite: CRIJ 6398.
CRIJ 7090. Dissertation. 1-9 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-9 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).
Scheduled when the student is ready to begin the thorough and scholarly investigation of a topic acceptable to the dissertation committee. The dissertation must provide evidence that the candidate has pursued a coherent program of research related to the student’s area(s) of academic specialization, the results of which reveal academic excellence and which make an original contribution to the discipline. Graded on a satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) basis. Course may be repeated as necessary, but credit will not be awarded for more than 9 credit hours.Prerequisite: Doctoral Standing and successful completion of the doctoral qualifying examination.